Editors' Page: 2013 Chevrolet Malibu

The Chevrolet Malibu represents both the strength and the opportunity for domestic brands.

When the previous version of the Chevrolet Malibu was introduced for the 2008 model year it was a revelation. Many vehicle reviewers, us included, were wowed by how quickly Chevrolet had pulled itself up from being an afterthought in the midsize sedan category to one of the market leaders. But Chevy was unable to re-capture that same magic with the most recent Malibu re-design. In response to the lukewarm reception for the 2013 model, Chevrolet has already announced significant changes for the 2014 model year.

Not only has Chevrolet changed the Malibu's front end for 2014, giving it a look closer to that of the well-received new Impala, Chevy engineers have also re-tooled various aspects of the model's interior and driveline. The 2014 Malibu gains 1.25 inches of rear knee room, and improvements have been made to the armrest and console area. At the same time the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine adds Intake Valve Lift Control and new start/stop technology that help raise its EPA city/highway marks to 23/35 mpg. Recalibration of the Malibu's optional 2.0-liter turbo engine gives it a 14-percent bump in torque and computerized mapping in the 6-speed automatic also has been modified for quicker shifts.

Malibu Drive

A few driving impressions from our full review of the 2013 Chevy Malibu: "A composed, quiet ride characterizes the 2013 Malibu's on-road demeanor. Unlike many of its performance-based rivals, the Malibu Turbo delivers strong acceleration, yet maintains the exceptional ride quality of the standard model. Instead of offering a full-hybrid option, the 2013 Chevy Malibu makes use of GM's new eAssist system... Especially handy in stop-and-go traffic, the eAssist battery waits to restart the gasoline engine until the moment your foot lifts off the brake pedal. The transition is virtually imperceptible, and eAssist further improves fuel economy by utilizing a 15-horsepower electric motor under heavy acceleration. While we observed admirable highway fuel economy with our test vehicle, the Malibu Eco returned a rather mediocre 22 miles per gallon in the city under normal driving conditions." With the revisions for 2014, we expect overall performance will be improved.

The Malibu News

The big news with Malibu is that a substantially revised 2014 model is on the way, pictured below. As mentioned previously, the 2013 model was a complete makeover, but its so-so reviews by experts and the buying public convinced General Motors execs to speed the changes outlined above into production. With the improvements to the 2014 model we expect prices on the 2013 versions could drop to the point where the model becomes a bargain, but if you buy a 2013 be aware that you are foregoing some good changes.

Most Interesting Malibu

While a few other cars in the category offer full hybrid versions, those versions typically command hefty price premiums. In contrast, the Malibu's "mild hybrid" eAssist system offers significant advantages at much less cost. The system captures "free" power that is typically wasted when a car decelerates, and the relatively small battery pack keeps the price low.

Most Popular Malibu

Though there is frequently a lot of buzz around hybrid and turbo versions, models powered by conventional 4-cylinder engines have become the norm in the midsize class.

A Slightly Smaller Impala

If you see the word Impala in this review more than a few times, there's a reason. The full-size Chevy sedan has inspired some quick improvements in the midsize 2014 Malibu, among them some tweaks to ride and handling. New rebound springs in its retuned struts/shocks are expected to deliver a smoother ride while also reducing the Malibu's body roll and weight transfer in corners, and increased effort level in its electric power steering should offer better feedback. New safety features for 2014 include Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Safety Alert.

From the Video

"For years Chevy's midsized entry lagged behind the best in class in interior quality, but the latest Malibu has left all that behind."  Watch our video review of the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu.

Build and Price

While the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu has a starting MSRP of just over $23,000, adding equipment will add cost as well. The 1LT model, which most would consider pretty well equipped, starts closer to $25,000, and the Malibu Eco 1SA with its eAssist system starts close to $26,000, with an additional $1,500 for the 2SA model. A fully loaded turbocharged 2LTZ that offers such luxuries as an 8-way power passenger seat, leather seating and 18-inch wheels tops out around $34,000. Click here to build a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu the way you'd like it, and we'll give you this week's Fair Purchase Price for your area, reflecting actual transaction prices before applicable incentives.

More than Malibu

The Chevrolet Malibu is a stalwart name in the midsize segment with many fans, but it is also a model in transition. We believe the 2014 version will be significantly better than the current model, and there are at least 12 midsize sedans to choose from in 2013, so it is worth the short amount of time it will take to research a few others before you decide.